I have a 2002 Vauxhall Zafira and the rear windscreen wiper seems to work intermittently or as and when it wants to. I can hear what I think is the relay clicking, but nothing happens.

Simon Deacon, November 2011

Probably the spindle has seized through lack of lubrication after 10 years of intermittent use and probably standing outside in all weathers.

I fixed my daughter's Nissan Primera H/B by taking off the wiper arm, dismantling down the the pivot spindle, spraying the spindle with WD40 to free it off, then oiling the spindle with penetrating oil, then gradually thicker oils, Sealing it all the silicon grease to stop the rain getting in, then reassembling it. Took about 30 minutes and has worked fine since.

You can find some helpful videos on youtube which will demonstrate how easy it can be. e.g.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFLjikMaCyI&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgfhjisaIZ4&feature=related

I didn't need to go as far as either of these videos but you'll get the idea from them.

ChicksFan, November 2011